An Ethical Framework for AI in Music Creation

I was invited to write this article after my presentation at the SOMI (Summit of Music Intelligence) 2023 Conference organised by the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing. The article develops a critique of generative AI as a tool to support artistic creation, and identifies the threat posed by AI in redefining, and eventually supplanting human musical creativity. Drawing from Heidegger’s philosophy of technology and ethics, the article contributes to the debate on the challenges AI poses to artistic creativity by conceptualising AI not as a tool, but as a complete paradigm shift. Generative AI is rewriting the ontology of music to include both human and non-human actors/agents. In this unfamiliar context, I consider the value of developing an ethical framework to support and protect human agency and creativity.